Slug generating charge

Abstract

The invention relates to a slug generating charge incorporating an explosive charge arranged in an envelope and a liner intended to be set into motion by the detonation of the explosive. The liner, whose thickness decreases between a central part and its periphery, is in contact with the envelope. A plate is placed between the explosive charge and the liner. The plate is of a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the envelope and is in contact with the liner at least at the latter's thinned peripheral part. The material of the plate is selected such that it reduces the velocity transmitted to the peripheral part of the liner by the explosive charge upon its ignition.

We claim: 
     
       1. A slug generating charge comprising: an explosive charge arranged in an envelope;   having only two layers that comprise   a metal liner set into motion by the detonation of the explosive, the metal liner having a circularly uniform thickness that decreases between a central part and its periphery and which is in contact with the envelope; and   a metal plate placed between the explosive charge and the metal liner, the metal plate having a diameter equal to an inner diameter of the envelope, the metal plate being in contact with at least a thinned peripheral part of the metal liner, the constitutive material and geometric characteristics of the metal plate being selected such that it reduces the velocity transmitted to the peripheral part of the metal liner relative to the central part of the metal liner by the explosive charge upon its ignition;   wherein upon detonation, the metal plate becomes detached from the metal liner.   
     
     
       2. A slug generating charge according to claim 1, wherein the constitutive material of the metal plate is of a density which is less than or equal to the constitutive material of the metal liner and has a Hugoniot maximum pressure greater than or equal to 0.1 GPa. 
     
     
       3. A slug generating charge according to claim 1, wherein the total mass of the metal plate is less than that of the metal liner. 
     
     
       4. A slug generating charge according to claim 3, wherein the mass of the metal plate lies between 2% and 15% of the mass of the metal liner. 
     
     
       5. A slug generating charge according to claim 1, wherein the metal plate is of a ring shape. 
     
     
       6. A slug generating charge according to claim 1, wherein the metal plate is of a thickness which decreases from an outer diameter to an axial part of the metal liner. 
     
     
       7. A slug generating charge according to claim 1, wherein the metal liner is made of tantalum and the constitutive material of the metal plate is chosen from one of aluminum, iron, steel, copper and molybdenum.